Category: tattoo removal

Are you unhappy with your tattoo? If so, you’ve probably heard of laser tattoo removal. However, did you know that not every tattoo removal treatment is alike? At Laser Skin & Wellness, we offer the Enlighten system by Cutera for the best possible results.

The enlighten system is an industry-leading tattoo removal platform for effective and quick results. This system offers many benefits over its competitors, including:

Dual Wavelength

In the past, multiple lasers were needed to remove a tattoo with multiple colors. However, this laser offers two wavelength options to remove various colors of ink from a single tattoo.

Dual Pulse Speed

Enlighten also offers two pulse speeds: picosecond and nanosecond, which makes it easier and quicker to remove tattoo ink. These pulse speeds lower the chance of side effects while eliminating ink as quickly as possible.

Wide Spot-Size Range

This laser can go from 22mm to 8mm, making it easy to treat both small and large tattoos with ease.

What to Expect After Treatment

After your enlighten treatment, the area will be red and small blisters will develop after 48 hours. These will resolve within 2 weeks, depending on the size and location of the tattoo. Be sure to cover the treatment area and keep it out of the sun. We will provide you with specific post-op instruction. Most patients need a series of treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart for best results.

If you are interested in learning more about tattoo removal, contact our office today to get started.

Laser techniques have become one of the most effective ways to remove unwanted tattoos. This is because new and profound techniques for tattoo removal have been developed over the years, like combination laser treatments, multi-pass treatments, and picosecond lasers. Laser tattoo removal can sound highly technical, but there are a few things to know about how it works and what it can do for you.

The Consultation Process

Your consultation is one of the most important steps of your tattoo removal process, and this can allow your specialist to plan the right treatment for you. Laser tattoo removal can require different techniques and technology depending on your unique tattoo, so it’s important to establish what will work best in getting the results you want. Things to consider about your tattoo are its colors, age, and size. It’s also important to establish any medical concerns, skin conditions, and skin product use that might prevent the treatment from being effective.

How It Works

There are many different effective lasers that can accomplish great results, but Laser Skin & Wellness has found the Enlighten™ by Cutera to best fit the needs of our patients. This system is highly versatile and is effective for a wide range of colors and pigment. This treatment works by applying the laser energy to the tattoo, which applies acoustic shockwaves to the pigment. This breaks down the pigment into smaller chunks, which allows your body to safely absorb them. This energy pulses at two different speeds, making it more effective at quickly and effectively breaking down pigment.

The Treatment Process

Despite the newest developments in laser techniques, most patients still require a package of treatments before seeing substantial results. This is simply because of the speed at which your body absorbs the pigment, and multiple sessions can help speed this process along. In most cases, treatments should be spaced 6-8 weeks apart in order to allow your skin time to rest between treatments. During your consultation, your specialist can estimate the number of treatments you’ll need based on your unique tattoo and goals.

The best way to learn about your options with laser tattoo removal is through a consultation with our laser specialists. Request an appointment through our online form or contact our office to get in touch with our patient coordinators who can schedule a consultation that works best for you.

Why Choose Laser Tattoo Removal?

At Laser Skin & Wellness, we know how difficult it can be to live with an unwanted tattoo, especially if it’s just too hard to cover up. Laser tattoo removal is one of the best ways to gradually remove unwanted tattoos, but it’s worth noting that there are other, less effective options. Exploring your options is an important part of your treatment process, so here’s what you should know about choosing laser tattoo removal over other alternatives.

Skin Treatments

Since tattoos are buried deep in the skin, certain skin treatments can often reach deep enough to affect the pigment. However, this can come with risk. Techniques like dermabrasion or chemical peels exfoliate away the layers of skin and can require extensive downtime and healing, which can come with side effects like hyperpigmentation, scarring, or the risk of infection. Depending on the location of your tattoo, it can also be damaging to sensitive skin or skin that hosts a tattoo that is old and sunken-in. These treatments can also be painful and require a local anesthetic.

Surgical Methods

Surgical excision is one method that can be used, although it’s not ideal if you’re prone to scarring or unable to undergo surgery. Although it can produce immediate results, larger tattoos can require extensive grafts in order to replace the skin that is excised during the surgery. Surgical removal is not normally recommended now that other alternatives exist.

Skincare Products

Certain products exist that promise gradual tattoo removal through bleaching the skin, but have no FDA approval, regulation, or recommendation. In many cases, it’s impossible to control the product’s bleaching method and this can result in the surrounding area being bleached as well. Because this technique happens gradually, it can require extensive use for months or years.

Cover-ups

Some patients opt for a cover-up, which usually consists of a new, better tattoo placed over the existing one. This can be a great option, but requires a skilled (usually expensive) tattoo artist who specializes in cover-ups and can effectively conceal the existing one. When opting for a cover-up, patients may still need to undergo a lightening treatment on the existing tattoo beforehand. For patients looking to simply remove their tattoo and leave the skin clear, a cover-up may not be an option.

Although there are plenty of options, laser tattoo removal still remains the most effective one. It produces extensive tattoo lightening with only a few painless treatments that don’t cause damage to the skin or require recovery. To see what else laser tattoo removal can do for you, contact our office to schedule a consultation with our laser specialists.